Trails

How is it possible? How is it possible that a perfectly heart-shaped hole could form in the rock wall flanking Seeley Creek Falls? This amazing formation does exist and can be reached via a short, relatively easy one-mile round trip hike in the San Bernardino Mountains near the town of Crestline. The dirt trail to Heart Rock descends 200 feet, following Seeley Creek on a gradual northward descent through a mountain forest of black oaks and Jeffrey pines. ...Read more.

The San Bernardino Mountains are a rugged east-west running mountain range in San Bernardino County east of the San Gabriel Mountains. While the range tops out at the 11,500-foot summit of San Gorgonio Mountain, you can find great panoramic view from a 4,000-foot peak that is much easier to reach. Marshall Peak rises above the foothills of the mighty San Bernardino Mountains and is just a short trip from cities in the San Bernardino Valley. ...Read more.

Located in the Santa Ynez Mountains, 1,800-feet above Santa Barbara, Inspiration Point provides panoramic views over The American Riviera. It is a moderate 7.55 to 7.95-mile round trip trek from San Roque Road up Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point, gradually checking off 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Those who prefer a shorter alternative, can hike from Tunnel Road and take a 3. ...Read more.

Rocky Peak is a panoramic 2,715-foot summit on the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties in the Santa Susana Mountains. The county line-straddling peak stands at the center of a 4,800-acre park bearing the same name. The shortest hike to Rocky Peak takes Rocky Peak Trail from Rocky Peak Road through Rocky Peak Park. Oh boy, we're off to a rocky start. ...Read more.

Amir's Garden is no mere garden; it's one of two unique and awesome picnic areas on the east side of Griffith Park. The most surprising place for a picnic is probably the Old Zoo Picnic Area, where you can dine alongside old animal pens. Amir's Garden is the most pleasant place for a hike-in picnic, with a selection of picnic tables surrounded by a volunteer-supported sanctuary of flowering greenery. ...Read more.

If you're interested in getting some exercise with panoramic views over Griffith Park, consider hiking a loop to the summit's of three park peaks: Mount Chapel, Mount Bell, and Mount Hollywood. Starting from Hollyridge Trail at the top of Beachwood Drive, this 5.7-mile loop ascends 675 vertical feet, from 950 feet at the trailhead to 1,625 feet at the summit of Mount Hollywood, the tallest of the three peaks. ...Read more.

Hikers have several ways to reach the Hollywood Sign atop Mount Lee in Griffith Park. For a short steep hike, you could cross Cahuenga Peak for a tough 3-miler. For a lengthier 6.4-mile trek, you could hike from Brush Canyon Trail to Mount Lee. Hollyridge offers something in the middle, a 3.5-mile round trip hike that climbs 750 feet to the Hollywood Sign. ...Read more.

Several Adirondack lakes line the roadways in Hamilton County, New York (Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake, Long Lake, and Raquette Lake to name a few), but sometimes it is more refreshing to hike to a scenic lake that can't be seen from the road. Leave the vehicle noise behind on this easy 1.6-mile round trip hike with just 100 feet of elevation change. ...Read more.

For summit views without the usual summit effort, head to Sawyer Mountain in the Adirondacks. The trail to the top of the mountain gains 650 feet over a 2.5-mile round trip hike. While the trail travels through a sheltered hardwood forest the entire way, there are two overlooks around the summit that provide far-reaching views over the trees across the surrounding valleys, ridges, and summits. ...Read more.

The Adirondack Mountains are dotted with lakes and mountains, so it should come as no surprise that you can hike to one or two peaceful ponds on this trail near Eagle Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. For those looking for something on the shorter side, it is an easy one-mile round trip hike to Grassy Pond. For those looking to immerse themselves in the Adirondacks, hike past Grassy Pond for a six-mile round trip trek to Wilson Pond. ...Read more.